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Repairing sewer lines can involve trenching and excavating, and as contractors begin specific tasks, they must take safety measures. Read about five common trenching safety hazards to be aware of\u00a0to keep your workers safe.<\/p>\n
Slips are common, especially if the ground is wet or unsteady. Additionally, workers could easily trip and fall into the trench, resulting in serious injury. You can easily prevent this by putting up signs around the trench to warn individuals.<\/p>\n
Signs and safety fencing also keep any pedestrians aware of any possible danger they may face, which is especially important when your worksite is in a residential area. No one should be able to wander into the trench.<\/p>\n
Oxygen levels may be lower in the trench, and workers may even encounter toxic gasses. This often depends on the work area, and if this is an issue in your location, keep your workers well equipped with adequate respiratory protection. Additionally, use signage in the work area to remind workers to put on their gear before working.<\/p>\n
Before you begin digging, ensure there are no city utility lines in the work area. Hitting a gas or electric line is dangerous to workers and may impact the city you work in. Contact city officials to have these underground lines flagged, so you know what areas to avoid.<\/p>\n
One of the most\u00a0common trenching safety hazards to be aware\u00a0of is a cave-in, and luckily, preventing this disaster is simple. First, ensure someone inspects the trench every day before contractors get to work. Also, ensure there are entrance and exit points appropriately placed throughout the trench\u2014according to OSHA guidelines, they must be within 25 feet of each employee.<\/p>\n
Inspecting the trench is especially important after a rainstorm or other heavy weather. Unexpected shifts in the earth could impact the trench.<\/p>\n
As workers move equipment around the work location, they should remain aware of the risk of falling loads. As you use machinery to lift heavy material or dig out the trench, ensure no one is too close.<\/p>\n